Question

Predict the precipitate produced by mixing an Al(NO3)3 solution with a NaOH solution. Write the net ionic equation for the reaction. (Include the states of matter.)

Answer 1

Al(NO₃)₃ (aq) + 3NaOH(aq) --> Al(OH)₃ (s) + 3NaNO₃ (aq)

Keep in mind that any compound that contains nitrate will be soluble. Al(OH)₃ is insoluble. If the group 1A or 2A metals were with OH⁻, then it would have been soluble.

The precipitate would be aluminum hydroxide.

Let's now find the net ionic equation

Al(NO₃)₃ (aq) + 3NaOH(aq) --> Al(OH)₃ (s) + 3NaNO₃ (aq)

Al³⁺(aq) + 3NO₃⁻(aq) + 3Na⁺(aq) + 3OH⁻(aq) --> Al(OH)₃(s) + 3Na⁺(aq) + 3NO₃⁻(aq)
That is the molecular equation

The net ionic equation would be:
Al³⁺(aq) + 3OH⁻(aq) --> Al(OH)₃ (s)